Location: Acworth, GA
Service Number: A35/TQ9.0.13706E5
Country: United States

Now you might be thinking, isn't that the website? Nope, read on...

Over the past couple of years, people have been putting their heads together about adding some structure to the USCM/UACM. Now, unlike the UKCM which started with a set of guidelines, the USCM/UACM grew organically.

Mainly people came up with ideas and ran with them, sometimes successfully, other times, not so much. Sadly, there has been the odd trouble maker who has caused the group grief, and best laid plans have caused massive issues.

So, over the past two years, there has been discussion about hammering out a Charter, a constitution, guidelines for the USCM/UACM.

This is what we have so far, it might seem a bit brief and straight forward common sense, but remember, this has been written by folks over the Internet, which can be like herding bemused kittens in a yarn factory.

So, this is the Beta version of the Charter so far. It is also a living document, which means it is open to change.

The USCM is comprised of regional Ships/Detachments, with the Commanding Officer (CO) and Executive Officer (XO) of each making up the Colonial Administration. The Colonial Administration is a council the oversees the USCM.Ships

The USCM is split into subgroups referred to as either “Ships” or “Detachments”. “Ships” are meant to refer to larger groups, and “Detachments” for groups of smaller size, however the group may ultimately choose whichever title they prefer.

Ships/Detachments run as individual groups within the confines of the rules and regulations of the USCM as set out by the Colonial Administration.

No matching Ship/Detachment names are allowed; each group name must be unique. Also, please note that no “canon” ship or facility names from any mainstream Alien-franchise title may be used. This includes but is not limited to: Nostromo, Narcissus, Sulaco, Sephora, Betty, Auriga, Torrens and Sevastopol.

Ships can be created at any point with any number of members. However, only when a Ship meets minimum requirements will the CO and XO be admitted to the Colonial Administration.

Colonial Administration minimum requirements

In order to have representation among the “Colonial Administration”, a squad must meet the following requirements:Have a minimum of 5 costumed members.*Elect a CO (Commanding Officer) and XO (Executive Officer).All members must be enrolled on the Aliens Legacy forum.The group must be represented at a minimum of three conventions per calendar year.

*Costumes must be clearly recognisable as being based on the Alien franchise, i.e.: Colonial Marine armor/weapons, camo and patches, jumpsuits with patches, lab coat with Weyland Yutani logos, or the like.

Creating a new ship

New Ships or Detachments can be created at any point, with any number of members. Only when the Ship/Detachment achieves the minimum requirements will they be permitted to be part of the Colonial Administration.

Creating a new group in an area where one already exists

If the membership of one area is large enough to warrant the creation of a new group, a petition may be submitted to the Colonial Administration for the creation of a new group.

Decommissioning a Ship/Detachment

Colonial Administration reserves the right to decommission a Ship/Detachment.

2. Costume Standards

The Colonial Marines, as a group, recognize that people may not have access to certain items, or have limited budgets, but still want to be part of the group. There is no minimum costume standard for those wanting to be in the group - all fans of the franchise are welcome - but if you wish to come to events in costume, we strongly request having something that is recognisably from the Alien universe. This can be as little as a green jumpsuit or camo with a green t-shirt and Colonial Marine patches.

Special Ops

There are times when a specific costume standard may be instituted. These occasions are known as “Special Ops”, and include events such as the DragonCon Parade Color Guard, or Corporate Events (promotional work for Fox, etc).

Costume standards for those participating in these events will vary, and are to be determined by the organizer of the event. Please bear in mind that if a specific costume standard exists for any event, it exists for a reason, and as such these standards are non-negotiable.

Special Ops may be singular (one-off) or recurring events. Costume standards applied to a Special Op are valid for that specific instance only.

3. Colonial Marines Standing Orders

As much as we prefer the “hands-off” approach, there are a few important things that we ask members to keep in mind at all times when out in public... after all, you will be representing our group and our fandom.

1. Follow the Rules

Each convention will have its own set of rules regarding general behaviour and weapon policies. FOLLOW THEM. Likewise, the town/city/county/state/country will also have its own laws. Again, FOLLOW THEM. Cooperate with and help the convention staff in any way possible, and if a convention requires you to peace bond your weapon, do so without fuss. Set the example for costumers around you to follow!

If you don't want the peace bond to appear in photographs, cover it, but do not remove it. This is especially important, as refusal to comply with convention policies regarding prop weapons can result in expulsion from the event, and potential encounters with local Law Enforcement. Which brings us to….

2. Treat your weapon as if it was real

Generally, the public cannot tell the difference between fictional weapons and real ones. Moreover, the majority of the prop weapons used in Aliens were either existing weapons (VP-70, SA-80), or heavily based on one (Pulse Rifle, Smartgun). Because of this, it's strongly advised that you treat your weapon as if it was real… because local Law Enforcement most certainly will. Avoid placing your finger on the trigger, do not carry as if ready to fire, and most importantly, NEVER point your prop at any individual unless you are asked to do so or the circumstances make it reasonably obvious that you are not doing anything threatening. Use your common sense, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution.

3. Don’t be a Dick

We’ve all seen “That Guy” at conventions before. You know the one: crass, obnoxious, using foul language in front of children, and generally oblivious to how their behavior affects those around them. Don’t ever be “That Guy,” plain and simple. The Colonial Marines take pride in knowing how to enjoy ourselves and have a great time without doing so in ways that detract from the enjoyment of others. We expect this from each and every one of our members, at each and every “Drop”. Never forget that when you are wearing costumes or “civvies” relating to our fandom, you represent our entire group, and your actions reflect on all of us… so, “Don’t be a Dick.”

4. Banning of Members

Sadly, there are times when a member behaves in a manner unacceptable to the rest of the USCM. Whether it is violent conduct, verbal abuse, sexual harassment. The USCM will not tolerate anti-social behaviour. At the end of the day we are all here to have fun and no one likes to have a good time ruined.

The USCM operates a three strikes policy, two warnings then a permanent ban from the group.

The Colonial Administration will investigate any complaints against members and decisions are final.

Location: Acworth, GA
Service Number: A35/TQ9.0.13706E5
Country: United States

nocternus wrote:

So how would that work in dealings with the UKCM? especially the latter

Well, the UKCM has it's own rules and regs (which aren't that different from what's in the Charter). I guess you mean which set of rules would take over during combined UKCM/USCM/UACM/AUCM events, like DragonCon. Well, I would say that each group follows their own groups regs, as there is going to be little or no conflict between the rules of each group.

Location: Northern California
Service Number: AO2/TQ1.0.1233E1
Country: United States

Paul,You've done a helluva job! It's been a ton of work, work that is sadly often not noticed. We tremendoulsy appreciate your efforts my friend. The Colonial Marines have long needed a bit of organization and this is just simply Outstanding!

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Service Number: A08/TQ2.0.42141E1
Country: United States

Now I'm sorry for my late reply. It's been a while since I've gotten a peak at my profile on the charter, and I'm not sure if it's accessable as of yet, so I've kinda forgotten the details of what I was refering to in my innitual comment. I think I basically wanted to update my general info, which is included on this one, as well as provide this updated photo for it for now until I have a better one to provide.

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Service Number: A08/TQ2.0.42141E1
Country: United States

The current photo is the most updated photo I have available so far that exposes the grafiti on my armour, which hasn't been available in any of my older photos. Usually I can be pretty crafty with my photos when I have access to the computer programs such as windows paint program, but unfortunately all I've had to work with is my phone. :/ Fortunately WonderCon is coming up soon so I shall take more updated photos with newly added gear I will have ordered via Rob D'chef. I'll post a few here for you to be able to select from.

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